Wednesday 15 / May / 2024
MUSCAT: Oman is poised to make sporting history as it prepares to host the prestigious FIH Centennial Congress of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in Muscat on November 9.
The Oman Hockey Association (OHA) secured the bid to host the FIH 100 Congress Muscat 2024, marking a significant milestone for Oman’s sporting legacy.
This historic event not only celebrates the centenary of world hockey but also represents the first time an international and Olympic sports federation's congress will convene in the Sultanate.
With nearly 300 delegates expected to attend, representing 140 member nations, the Centennial Congress and 49th Statutory Congress 2024 promises to be a momentous occasion for the global hockey community.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram, speaking from FIH headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, expressed his enthusiasm for the forthcoming Congress, and said, "We are thrilled to convene a traditional FIH Congress in Muscat later this year. This marks the first Congress during my tenure where we can gather face-to-face after the previous two were conducted virtually due to the pandemic."
Ikram extended gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for Oman's steadfast support for sports and youth. He also acknowledged the instrumental role played by the Government of Oman and the Oman Hockey Association in facilitating successful meetings and world-class tournaments in the country.
FIH supremo also hailed the significant role played by His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said during the hosting of the inaugural edition of the FIH Hockey5s World Cup earlier this year.
He said, “The interest shown by His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said during the hosting of the inaugural edition of the FIH Hockey5s World Cup earlier this year is a testimony to Oman’s love for the game, and at the FIH, we are thankful to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for hosting the FIH 100 Congress later this year.”
Dr. Marwan Al Juma, OHA chairman, told Times of Oman, “Hockey Oman extends a warm and heartfelt welcome to all delegates of the prestigious FIH Centennial Congress 2024 Oman. It is a celebration of hockey's enduring legacy and the promising future that lies ahead. Together, we stand on the threshold of another century of hockey excellence, and it is our collective duty to ensure that the sport continues to thrive and inspire generations to come.”
Shakir Munir, OHA's technical director, said, “As we prepare to host the FIH Centennial & 49th Statutory Congress 2024 in Oman, we are reminded of the incredible journey that hockey has undertaken over the past century. The Congress in November is not just a celebration of milestones but a testament to the enduring spirit of this sport that unites us all. We are honoured to welcome the global hockey community to Muscat, where traditions meet to create the future of hockey. Together, we hope to inspire change and continue to drive the passion that makes hockey more than just a game."
Munir highlighted the milestones of OHA since 2017 when Hockey Oman hosted the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) Congress.
He said, “After the AHF Congress, we began to host continental events on a regular basis. In 2018, we held the Asian Games Men’s Hockey Qualifiers and the Asian Champions Trophy. In 2019, we hosted the Men’s Junior AHF Cup, and following the COVID-19 pandemic, we successfully organised the Women’s Asia Cup in 2022. A year later, we hosted the Men’s Junior AHF Cup and the Men’s Junior Asia Cup Salalah.”
Munir added, “Hockey Oman then gave a significant boost to the Hockey5s format by hosting the 2023 Men’s & Women’s Hockey5s Asia Cup Salalah and capped it with the inaugural FIH Hockey5s World Cup Oman 2024. Prior to the World Cup, we also hosted the 2024 - FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers at the brand new Hockey Arena, which stands as a shining example of the legacy of the World Cup.”
